Erectile Dysfunction

Are you concerned about changes in erectile function?

Have you had difficulty getting or maintaining an erection? Are you concerned that you aren't able to satisfy your partner sexually? Have these changes decreased your sex drive? Erectile function is an important part of your sexual health. When changes occur, it can be frustrating and anxiety producing. Most importantly, seeing a doctor to uncover the root cause of erectile dysfunction is very important to your overall health.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is often a side effect of medications you may be taking, so be sure to share this information with your doctor. Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity can also contribute to poor erectile functioning. Some cancer survivors may develop erectile dysfunction following surgery or radiation. Finally, if erectile dysfunction is accompanied by symptoms such as low libido, increased fatigue and lack of energy, it may be related to depression or low testosterone.

How do you treat erectile dysfunction?

First, your doctor should review the medications you are taking to see if they may affect erectile function. If so, there may be other medications that could help improve your quality of life and satisfaction. Sometimes problems in a relationship can affect erectile functioning. In this case, a therapist specializing in male sexual dysfunction may be able to help.

Finally, other health issues can often affect erectile function. In fact, 70 percent of men with ED will also have heart disease, diabetes or both. If conditions like heart disease or diabetes co-exist, your doctor might refer you to a specialist to help manage those conditions.

Sometimes, making certain lifestyle changes, or getting treatment for co-existing health issues is enough to improve erectile function. If additional treatment is needed for ED, there are a number of oral medications that can be prescribed. However, these medications are not appropriate or effective for everyone. Other treatment options for ED include: self-injections, vacuum-assist devices and penile implant surgery. Your doctor can help you determine the best course of treatment for erectile dysfunction.

I've heard taking testosterone can help ED, should I try it?

You may have heard ads claiming that taking testosterone can cure your erectile dysfunction. The truth is, testosterone supplementation can help men only in specific, clearly defined situations. This can be determined by your doctor after a thorough evaluation.

Why Choose Nebraska Medicine for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction?

We care for your total health, not only erectile dysfunction concerns

At Nebraska Medicine, you will be seen by a board-certified doctor who is experienced in the treatment of patients with erectile dysfunction. We care for the whole patient, beginning with a careful evaluation of your overall health, lifestyle and medications. You will also receive proper screenings for conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure in order to determine the root cause of your symptoms and improve your overall health.

We treat you as an individual

When it comes to male sexual dysfunction there is no one-size-fits-all approach to diagnosis and treatment. Proper medical care must be customized to the individual. At Nebraska Medicine, we take the time to get to know our patients and provide individualized care, rather than offering the same treatment to every person who walks through our door.

We provide multidisciplinary care

Poor erectile functioning is often a complication of conditions that need specialty attention. If your evaluation for erectile dysfunction reveals any issues related to heart disease, diabetes or other medical conditions, we can easily refer you to a specialist within our health system. If lifestyle changes are recommended, we can also connect you with a board-certified sex therapist, nutritionist, smoking cessation expert and others who can support you in making the changes you need to enjoy better health.